Pixar's latest animated feature, 'Hoppers,' has garnered positive early reviews for its inventive story of a young activist transferred into a robot beaver to save a forest habitat. The film blends environmental themes with surreal humor, drawing comparisons to classics like 'Bambi.' Directed by Daniel Chong, it features voices from Piper Curda, Jon Hamm, and Meryl Streep.
Pixar's 'Hoppers' centers on Mabel, a 19-year-old college student and animal-rights activist voiced by Piper Curda. Growing up in Beaverton, Mabel develops a passion for animals, attempting at age 12 to smuggle classroom pets to freedom. Influenced by her grandmother, Grandma Tanaka (voiced by Karen Huie), she finds solace in a serene forest glade.
Seven years later, as a student at Beaverton University, Mabel confronts Mayor Jerry (Jon Hamm), who plans a beltway through the glade. Discovering her biology professor Dr. Sam (Kathy Najimy) has invented 'hopping' technology, Mabel's consciousness transfers into a robot beaver avatar, allowing her to infiltrate the animal community and fight habitat destruction.
In the glade, Mabel joins the beaver community led by the tolerant king George (Bobby Moynihan). The story escalates with the Animal Council, including the Insect Queen (Meryl Streep) and her son Titus (Dave Franco), and features a chaotic freeway chase involving a shark named Diane (Vanessa Bayer). Reviewers praise the film's twists, calling it 'Bambi on crack' for its surreal, surprising narrative that emphasizes cooperation across species.
Directed by Daniel Chong from a screenplay by Jesse Andrews, 'Hoppers' was screened at the Disney Screening Home in New York on February 26, 2026. Produced by Nicole Paradis Grindle with executive producers Pete Docter, Kiri Hart, and Peter Sohn, the film runs 105 minutes and carries a PG rating. Music is by Mark Mothersbaugh, with animation by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
